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Rupert Hill talks to WOS Manchester

June 13, 2008

Rupert Hill has traded life on the cobbled streets of Coronation Street for the Wigan Casino, as he takes on the role of Eugene in the hugely popular exploration of the Northern Soul scene; Once Upon A Time In Wigan at The Octagon. Re-worked by Nick Martin, the show now features live music, as opposed to the sound of the famous long players.

As Jamie Baldwin, Rupert garnered quite a following, but he clearly enjoys performing on stage, juggling his acting career with his passion for music, via his band.

We caught up with Rupert and he talks about the challenges of performing in such a well loved piece as Wigan. He also talks about life on the street, his band Yellow Dog and Stephen Fry.

Place Of Birth
Southampton

Lives now in
Manchester

When did you first realise that you wanted to act?
When I was 3 I acted in my first play, I was a Inn Keeper (one of the great 3 year old keepers). Apparently I told my mum, there and then, that I wanted to keep doing it (act).

What would you have done professionally if you weren’t acting or performing in your band?
I don’t know. I’d probably try writing novels and scripts, or directing. I don’t have an academic bone in my body and I’ve only ever excelled in the arts, so it would have to be creative.

Is there anyone you would still like to meet and why?
I have many heroes like Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese etc…but I don’t believe meeting them would do their legend any favours. So I suppose I’d have to say Stephen Fry (who I have actually met). Read more

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Queer Up North’s Jonathan Best talks to WOS Manchester

May 9, 2008

jonathanbest.jpgJonathan Best (pictured) is the artistic director for Queer Up North. Following the Arts Council’s U-turn, the festival will go ahead, as planned from 9th -25th May.

This year’s programme includes Tough Time, Nice Time, by radical theatre troupe Ridiculusmus and The Fairy Godfather of Hollywood, avant-garde performer Bette Bourne’s show about the life and times of Hollywood screen icon Rock Hudson.

Opening the festival is controversial comedienne, Sandra Bernhard, who we will be interviewing shortly.

In the meantine, we caught up with Jonathan recently and he talks about the organising the festival, his love of Kneehigh’s Brief Encounter, the funding crisis and what you can look forward to at Queer Up North. This is Best’s second year as artistic director and he is confident that the programme is the best yet. Read more

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Keith Jack talks to WOS Manchester

April 11, 2008

keithjack.gif

Keith Jack (pictured) is currently starring as the narrator in the Bill Kenwright tour of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which opens at the Palace Theatre, Manchester on the 28th April.

Following his appearance on reality show, Any Dream Will Do, Keith has not stopped working. He has been attached to many projects, according the gossip magazines.

But, how many of the rumours are true? Read more

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Natalie Casey talks to WOS Manchester

January 16, 2008

Actor Natalie Casey who stars opposite Jonathan Wilkes in The Wedding Singer, touring the country (opening in Manchester) from February – talks about sibling rivalry, Fame, musical theatre & 80’s songs.

Casey is best known for her role as Carol Groves in television’s Hollyoaks. Also on the box, Casey has appeared in Two Pints of Lager (And a Packet of Crisps) and Brookside: Double Take! and has presented 100 Greatest Musicals, 24: Access All Areas and Big Brother’s Little Brother.

She has been seen on stage in The Vagina Monologues at the Manchester Palace, The Flint Street Nativity at the Liverpool Playhouse, and Harold Brighouse’s Hobson’s Choice directed by Timothy Sheader at Newbury’s Watermill Theatre. Read more

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Wedding Singer Wilkes talks to WOS Manchester

January 2, 2008

Jonathan Wilkes talks about his favourite stage role, his new show The Wedding Singer and Manchester audiences. Jonathan Wilkes has presented You’ve Been Framed, CDUK and a host of other TV shows. He has carved out a career in musical theatre starring in everything from Grease, Tommy, Guys and Dolls and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He is currently in preparation for the lead role in the UK premiere of The Wedding Singer which opens in Manchester.

Who has been your favourite character and why?
I think i would have to say Rocky Horror, just because of the sheer love of Frank…I was allowed to do anything I wanted and he is without a doubt the most characteristic person ever.

Read more

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